[03/23/07]
Record setting crowds, state of the art technology exhibits, FDA-Industry Roundtables and a standing-room only presentation by Governor An?bal Acevedo-Vil? were among the highlights at the INTERPHEX, MEDICAL DEVICE and Supply Chain & Logistics Puerto Rico events held February 1-2 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center. The three events, which occurred simultaneously, featured 492 exhibiting companies. Attendance by industry professionals climbed to 7,965 representing a 23% increase over last year.
"This event was exceptional. It's a great forum for learning what's new on the manufacturing landscape and hearing ideas from other leaders of the industry," stated William R. Quintana, an Engineering Manager at Stryker. "My experience at INTERPHEX was great," agreed Alex Santiago of GlaxoSmithKline. "It was my first time there and I will continue going in the future. It's a great experience for everyone working in the pharmaceutical industry."
Produced by Reed Life Sciences, the INTERPHEX and MEDICAL DEVICE Puerto Rico events serve the needs of the island's robust life sciences industry, showcasing products and technologies used in the development, manufacture and packaging of bio/pharmaceuticals and medical devices. The Supply Chain & Logistics Puerto Rico event offers critical solutions and technologies for procurement, inventory management, warehousing, material handling, and shipping/distribution across a spectrum of industries.
Governor An?bal Acevedo-Vil? introduced the inaugural Puerto Rico BioIsland Annual Report to an enthusiastic audience at his Keynote Address. Referring to the strong investment, growth initiatives and continued, aggressive development of Puerto Rico's biotechnology industry, the Governor pledged ongoing commitment to this important sector of Puerto Rico's economy. "Puerto Rico has the unique experience of joining the power of the government and the largest pharmaceutical companies to build the world's largest pharmaceutical exporter. Now, we are ready to take the next step. This year, we anticipate the expansion or establishment of more than 20 companies in the biosciences, advanced manufacturing, information technology and engineering design services. This growth could lead to an estimated 5,000 new direct jobs for the Island's residents, and more than $610 million of investment in Puerto Rico. Our efforts in 2007 will be a significant step towards solidifying Puerto Rico's position as an international center for excellence in the life sciences, The Bio Island," the Governor said.
Maridalia Torres, Director of the San Juan District of the FDA, discussed common goals, issues and challenges with a panel of life sciences industry leaders in a provocative Keynote session, "Puerto Rico's Life Sciences Industry Today and Tomorrow." Featuring Victor Batista, Director of Technology, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals; Norma Mejia, General Manager of Edwards Lifesciences; and Elmer Roman, Director of the Office of Naval Research Global - Latin America, U.S. Embassy in Chile; and moderated by David Diaz of ISO Group, the roundtable discussion offered a candid view of trends and industry issues for the island of Puerto Rico as well as the Latin American region. "I truly enjoyed participating in this forum," commented Ms. Torres. "It is through this kind of activity that we can leverage our resources and help keep our industry better informed."
In addition to an extensive display of exhibits, each of the three events featured a dedicated educational program, developed in conjunction with a Conference Advisory Board consisting of manufacturers, suppliers and industry organizations. Key subject areas across the three programs included biotechnology, regulatory issues, facilities/engineering, packaging, operational excellence, technology enablers, strategic supply chain management, lean manufacturing and accredited continuous improvement training.
INTERPHEX, MEDICAL DEVICE and Supply Chain & Logistics Puerto Rico are supported by a host of industry organizations, including ISPE, INDUNIV, the Puerto Rico Manufacturers Association (PRMA), the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, the Medical Device Manufacturers Association (MDMA), APICS Puerto Rico Chapter, Puerto Rico Techno Economic Corridor (PR TEC), Caribbean Supply Chain Management Institute and the Puerto Rico Trade Company, among others.
About Reed Life Sciences
Reed Life Sciences, a division of Reed Exhibitions, delivers influential leaders in life sciences through unique combinations of conference, exhibition, workshops, partnering opportunities, and networking events. Reed Exhibitions, which manages more than 450 trade shows annually worldwide, is a member of the Reed Elsevier Group plc, a world-leading provider of information-driven services and solutions. Reed Exhibitions offers integrated market access programs covering exhibitions, trade publications, direct marketing and the Internet to a database of 3.5 million in North America.
For more information on the 2008 INTERPHEX Puerto Rico, MEDICAL DEVICE Puerto Rico and Supply Chain & Logistics Puerto Rico events -- which will take place February 14-15, 2008 at the Puerto Rico Convention Center -- visit the event websites www.interphexpuertorico.com, www.medicaldevicepuertorico.com, www.supplychainpuertorico.com.
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